From the early 1800s until 1965, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish served Catholics here in the small Missouri town of Perryville.

In the beginning, a small wooden church served the congregation. By 1834, that structure was replaced by a larger church, modeled after the Vincentian motherhouse, Monte Citorio, in Rome. Beautiful paintings were added over time. Today, these include a magnificent replica of a depiction of Our Lady’s Assumption by Spain’s famous Baroque painter, Bartolomé Murillo.

In 1929, the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was added to the church.

Today, I invite you to take part in the annual Assumption Novena of Masses beginning on August 6 at the National Shrine. Enviar your personal intentions and we will place them near Our Lady’s Shrine Altar for remembrance throughout the novena and during the Solemnity Mass on Thursday, August 15.

You may also request a Votive Light to burn for your intentions. Votive Light offerings help the Association draw others closer to Jesus through Mary, who is the Queen of Heaven and Earth.

I recall the words of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, speaking on Mary’s Assumption: “She is the first creature who, with her whole self, body and soul, victoriously crosses the finish line of Heaven … Looking at her, in glory, we understand that the true power is service, and that to reign means to love.”

In closing, I invite you to join AMM members in reciting this prayer daily from August 6-15.

May Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal keep you close to her heart and to the heart of her Son.

 In the love of Mary,

P.S. This year’s Solemnity of the Assumption Mass on Thursday, August 15, will be live-streamed on our Facebook page beginning at 12:10 p.m., CT. You are invited to join us for this joyous Liturgy!

Stories of Our Lady’s Intercession

     Dear Father, My daughter had been trying for two years to get pregnant. I bought a fertility prayer card and placed it inside her birthday card. Within six weeks, she was expecting. My granddaughter was born on January 1 —the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. Praise God and give thanks to Our Holy Mother, Mary.

     Dear Father, Wearing the Miraculous Medal has brought me continuous peace and harmony in not only my life, but in the lives of many friends and family. Your life will thrive with Mary on your side.            

Dear Father, For six weeks I have been offering small donations and asking Mary’s help in finding a new heart for Philip who needs a transplant. This morning we got the phone call – a heart has been donated and he will have surgery tomorrow! Is this just a coincidence? I don’t think so. Thank you, my Mother Mary!